teamwork | Craig T. Owens

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The Craig And Greg Show: Unity Not Conformity

June 5, 2025 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the podcast of this post by clicking on the player below, and you can also subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or Audible.

If you’re leading a team, then Greg and I feel pretty confident in assuming that you’ve got them all working, thinking, and behaving exactly like you work, think, and behave, right? Of course not! The differences in personality and thought within your team are what makes it special.

[0:18] Leaders like buy-in, but what about those teammates who say, “Hold on a second”?
[2:00] Unity doesn’t mean sameness.
[3:55] We all have different experiences and gifts so we all bring something different to the table.
[4:51] Unity doesn’t guarantee peacefulness in the process of getting to consensus.
[7:06] Leaders have to learn to accept the tension among teammates.
[9:47] Why do leaders avoid tension?
[13:16] I share a quote from Dick Brogden about the “no men” we need on our teams.
[14:54] Past success can make leaders deaf to the input from others.
[17:09] Greg wonders how to effectively play the devil’s advocate with our teams in order to get the best ideas on the table.
[19:03] My funny story about our producer Harrison.
[21:08] Greg changed the way he debriefed sales calls with his team, encouraging them to speak out.
[23:36] Greg uses an example of Joe Montana to show how leaders can bring confidence to their teams.
[25:30] Both opportunities and obstacles present a chance for us to teach our teammates.
[27:36] Greg and I want to help you help your team.

Check out this episode and subscribe on YouTube so you can watch all of the upcoming episodes. You can also listen to our podcast on Spotify and Apple.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: Craig And Greg Show, Dick Brogden, Harrison, Joe Montana, leadership, quotes, team building, teammates, teamwork, unity, video. 2 Comments »

The Craig And Greg Show: Patience And Impatience

August 29, 2024 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the audio-only version of this podcast by clicking on the player below, or scroll down to watch the video.

In today’s episode we’re going to—IMPATIENCE! Yes, we’re talking about impatience. As a leader it can be hard to resist the temptation of impatience, but Greg and I believe that developing patience is a vital skill for leaders. In this episode we’ll explore some of the pitfalls of impatience, and share strategies for you to develop into a more thoughtful and patient leader.

[0:14] We’re looking at the leadership builder vs. killer of patience vs. impatience.
[1:41] Patience is sometimes misperceived as not being in control—like we’re simply waiting around for something to happen.
[2:27] Can patience be developed?
[3:50] Patience allows a process to mature, and helps people grow.
[7:35] Warning: patience can cross a line into procrastination.
[8:30] Leaders need to avoid the temptation of impatiently answering too quickly.
[10:50] What leadership pressures make us give in to impatience?
[12:59] Leaders can help their teammates with their own impatience by asking some thoughtful questions.
[15:28] Ego + Bad advice = Dangerous impatience
[16:40] Patience helps leaders trust both the process and the people around them.
[18:33] Leaders need to be aware of what’s happening in themselves when their patience is stretched. Patient leaders grow their leadership influence.
[22:24] Greg quizzes me about the origins of patience.
[24:45] I make a confession about my impatience in my early years.
[25:55] Greg shares an insightful quote about the value of patience.

Check out this episode and subscribe on YouTube so you can watch all of the upcoming episodes. You can also listen to our podcast on Spotify and Apple.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: Craig And Greg Show, Greg Heeres, impatience, leadership, patience, podcast, teammates, teamwork, trust, video. Leave a Comment »

The Craig And Greg Show: Stress Can Be Good For You

July 18, 2024 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the audio-only version of this podcast by clicking on the player below, or scroll down to watch the video.

Stress might have six letters, but it seems like some leaders have a knee-jerk reaction to treat it like a four-letter word. While it might be nice to fantasize about an stress-free life, this is both entirely unrealistic and detrimental to your leadership. The truth is, a mild amount of stress can be helpful to you personally, as well as your organization as a whole. Join us as Greg and I unpack why you should embrace a bit of stress in your life.

[0:14] I have a brain block to start the show!
[0:59] Let’s define stress in a work environment, as opposed to simply work tension.
[1:51] An interesting study about allowing moderate stress to remain in the workplace.
[5:30] Mild stress is helpful for our brains.
[7:37] Stress expands and strengthens our team connections too.
[10:26] Can stress help increase someone’s work performance?
[13:01] Our physical bodies use a stress hormone called cortisol. How can leaders maximize its effects?
[14:38] Stress can help us rise to the challenge in a way that easy times can’t.
[16:02] I share an example of a teammate who grew through stress, as well as a supporting quote.
[18:40] Greg shares a negative example of an organization that became stress-free and drifted toward failure.
[19:30] When times are easy, we can begin to slide into apathy.
[22:40] Should we teach crisis leadership to our teams? If so, how should we do this?
[23:47] We love to coach leaders who are dealing with crisis in their organizations.

Check out this episode and subscribe on YouTube so you can watch all of the upcoming episodes. You can also listen to our podcast on Spotify and Apple.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: apathy, brain, cortisol, Craig And Greg Show, Greg Heeres, leadership, mind, neuroplasticity, perseverance, podcast, stress, success, teamwork, video. 2 Comments »

The Craig And Greg Show: Lead With Empathy

June 27, 2024 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the audio-only version of this podcast by clicking on the player below, or scroll down to watch the video.

Empathy is an essential trait for leaders, but it’s not innate in any of us. As I joked, “behind ‘mama’ and ‘dada,’ the first word most babies learn is ‘mine.’” The skill of empathy is like a muscle, the more we practice, the stronger it gets. In this episode, Greg and I discuss why empathy is so important for leaders, and give helpful advice on how to remain proficient in your use of empathy.

[0:24] Empathy is a powerful leadership skill that underlines so many other leadership skills.
[1:08] Empathy has to be earned.
[3:07] What blocks empathy in leaders?
[4:02] When you start learning empathy it will feel awkward, but you have to stick with it.
[5:06] Empathy ≠ sympathy, but it is caring.
[7:07] How do leaders show their empathy to their teammates?
[10:10] Here is an example of how to express empathy.
[12:22] What lessons can we learn when we misfire on empathy?
[14:03] Three things Greg has worked on to enhance empathy.
[16:32] Sometimes leaders do for one team member what they cannot do for all.
[19:51] Leaders need empathetic eyes, ears, and heart. There is a huge leadership power in this.
[21:59] Greg shares an interesting study reported in Forbes.
[25:15] One of the most powerful leadership attributes is simply the leader’s availability.

Check out this episode and subscribe on YouTube so you can watch all of the upcoming episodes. You can also listen to our podcast on Spotify and Apple.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: availability, compassion, Craig And Greg Show, emotionally available, empathy, Greg Heeres, leadership, podcast, sympathy, teamwork, video. Leave a Comment »

The Craig And Greg Show: Wait, You Like Meetings Too?

June 15, 2023 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the audio-only version of this podcast by clicking on the player below, or scroll down to watch the video.

Too often we fall into the trap of seeing meetings as perfunctory, tedious, and downright boring to attend. In this episode, Greg and I are here to tell you, we like meetings! If managed correctly, meetings can be an impactful leadership tool that helps grow and bond your team. So set aside any of your preconceived notions, and let us tell you why they think you should embrace opportunities for meetings.

[0:57] We’re robbing ourselves when we just try to “get through” a meeting.
[2:33] Leaders help everyone learn during the meetings.
[4:00] Don’t spring brand new information on your team at the meeting, but help them prepare to contribute ahead of time.
[5:40] There is a value in getting our teams together.
[7:50] Sometimes the best leadership move is to cancel a meeting.
[9:28] How can leaders make meetings more efficient?
[10:42] A leader’s attendance signals the value of the meeting.
[11:23] Greg has a sarcastic quote that makes a great point about meetings.
[12:57] Not every meeting needs to involve every team member.
[14:36] Leaders need to set expectations before the meeting starts.
[16:37] How insecure leaders sabotage meetings.
[19:01] Be conscious of the workloads of those who are invited to your meetings.
[21:47] How do leaders keep people on-topic during meetings?

Check out this episode and subscribe on YouTube so you can watch all of the upcoming episodes. You can also listen to our podcast on Spotify and Apple.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: Craig And Greg Show, delegation, Greg Heeres, leadership, podcast, teammates, teamwork, video, YouTube. Leave a Comment »

The Craig And Greg Show: Be A Noticer

June 1, 2023 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the audio-only version of this podcast by clicking on the player below, or scroll down to watch the video.

When was the last time you noticed your team? Not just on a surface level like saying hello in the hallway, but really truly paying attention to what’s going on with your team. Noticing is easy to do, but it does require you to spend time doing it. It’s impossible to see what your team is doing locked inside your office, so get out there and notice!

[0:17] Kids on the playground demonstrate an important leadership attribute.
[1:43] Leaders sometimes get too engaged in their work—how do we keep this from happening?
[3:48] People are dying to be noticed!
[6:17] What happens when we do or don’t notice the uniqueness of our teammates?
[9:54] Leaders need to know the difference between windows and mirrors.
[13:25] How our teams reciprocate for their leaders who notice them.
[14:45] There are some huge and lasting benefits when leaders create a culture of curiosity.
[17:11] Greg challenges leaders to learn a leadership lesson from Jesus.
[19:20] We need to build noticing into our weekly schedules.
[21:07] One group that all of should notice and celebrate: Our veterans and the family members of fallen vets.

Check out this episode and subscribe on YouTube so you can watch all of the upcoming episodes. You can also listen to our podcast on Spotify and Apple.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: Craig And Greg Show, curiosity, Greg Heeres, leadership, podcast, relationships, teammates, teamwork, uniqueness, video, YouTube. 1 Comment »

The Craig And Greg Show: Stop Doing Traditional Performance Reviews

May 18, 2023 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the audio-only version of this podcast by clicking on the player below, or scroll down to watch the video.

Performance reviews are a great tool to help leaders measure and celebrate the growth of their team, but the standard model of quarterly and yearly reviews is a terrible way to go about it. In this episode, Greg and I suggest a different approach to reviews that relies on frequent coaching and giving your team “the answers to the test” to set them up to succeed.

[0:15] We all have “have to” and “get to” leadership tasks in our organization, but we think performance reviews never should be in the have to” category.
[1:29] Performance review times are a great time to unleash potential in our teammates.
[2:44] Greg shares how his daughter’s school does this well and how an organization he worked with did this poorly.
[4:02] I teach leadership principles to a group of young men called “Guys With Ties,” and I always have them focus on future growth.
[5:22] Leaders can only do effective reviews by having regular interactions with their teammates.
[7:00] We suggest a better way to give out compliments and corrections.
[8:35] Three key elements in performance reviews: (1) honesty, (2) timeliness, (3) looking forward.
[10:54] How do we handle situations where the review doesn’t match the projected employee bonus?
[12:55] Many of our teammates have probably had a bad experience with a previous performance review, so we need to address that upfront.
[13:16] Accountability is a heavy word but it is a vital growth piece.
[15:23] What happens when leaders are tired?
[17:27] What does it say to our teammates if we’re always too busy to schedule a time for a performance review?
[21:13] The culture we need to foster in our organization is an “improvement culture.”

Check out this episode and subscribe on YouTube so you can watch all of the upcoming episodes. You can also listen to our podcast on Spotify and Apple.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: compliments, correction, Craig And Greg Show, Greg Heeres, improvement, leadership, podcast, review, teammates, teamwork, video, YouTube. 2 Comments »

The Craig And Greg Show: Motivated Leadership

September 20, 2022 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the audio-only version of this podcast by clicking on the player below, or scroll down to watch the video.

On this episode of “The Craig And Greg Show” we talk about:

[0:48] What does the dictionary say about motivation? What do we say about motivation?
[2:03] Motivation comes in “different packages”
[3:48] How can we individualize motivation?
[5:53] How does coachability mesh with motivation?
[7:20] Is 100% self-motivation possible?
[7:49] Greg’s story about a leader’s frustration with unmotivated people
[9:44] Does yelling ever motivate people?
[12:52] A teammate’s love language can give you insight into how to motivate them.
[13:56] How do leaders “call out” what’s in our team members?
[16:01] A leader’s self-assessment is key to how well we motivate others.
[18:23] Are company-wide benefits demotivating? How can we switch this up?
[20:30] Does the carrot-or-stick method of motivation actually work?
[21:10] Greg shares a quote about how dreams can help motivation.
[22:51] Great leaders don’t assume, but they ask important questions.
[23:53] Our coaching huddles can help you individualize your leadership motivational skills and practices.

Check out this episode and subscribe on YouTube so you can watch all of the upcoming episodes. You can also listen to our podcast on Spotify and Apple.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: coachability, Craig And Greg Show, encouragement, Greg Heeres, leadership, love language, motivation, podcast, relationships, shepherd leadership, teammates, teamwork, video, YouTube. Leave a Comment »

The Craig And Greg Show: Leaders Need Friends

September 6, 2022 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the audio-only version of this podcast by clicking on the player below, or scroll down to watch the video.

On this episode of “The Craig And Greg Show” we talk about:

[0:31] Can a leader have friends at work?
[1:22] Can a leader mix work friendship and personal relationships?
[2:25] You can’t be friends with everyone.
[3:21] How many true friends can you maintain?
[4:47] Bringing someone into your confidence can be a challenge.
[6:01] Tell people their story, not someone else’s.
[7:45] Greg talks about getting naked with your team.
[8:58] I explain why you need a Paul and a Barnabas in your life.
[10:01] Leaders need play time to recharge and refresh.
[11:08] I make the case for “sabbathing” to be a verb in my book Shepherd Leadership.
[11:55] We discuss being intentional about how you spend your time.
[14:31] I describe the qualities I look for in a strong leadership friend.
[16:45] We discuss how a “yes man” isn’t a true friend.
[18:12] Leaders need to be careful not to end up on an island.
[21:52] How do you navigate friendships through organizational groups and silos?
[23:20] I shares a humorous note Greg left me to illustrate the friendship tradeoff.
[24:22] Greg says you need a trusted friend to help you monitor your energy level.
[25:30] I say it’s important to thank friends for paying attention to you.
[26:14] We use Jesus’ relationships with His disciples to model their own friendships.
[27:40] We would love to be your leadership friend in our coaching huddles.

Check out this episode and subscribe on YouTube so you can watch all of the upcoming episodes. You can also listen to our podcast on Spotify and Apple.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: Craig And Greg Show, friendship, Greg Heeres, leadership, podcast, relationships, sabbathing, shepherd leadership, teammates, teamwork, video, YouTube. Leave a Comment »

The Craig And Greg Show: Responsibility Starts At The Top

August 24, 2022 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the audio-only version of this podcast by clicking on the player below, or scroll down to watch the video.

On this episode of “The Craig And Greg Show” we talk about:

[0:55] What’s one of the biggest attributes that sets leaders apart from their peers?
[1:56] Check out why Stephen Covey’s definition of responsibility is so important in our discussion
[3:02] Why do people like to play “the blame game”?
[4:18] Accountability must be a partner with healthy responsibility
[4:52] Greg learned the blame game early on with his younger sister
[5:57] I worked in an unhealthy organization where the senior leader never accepted personal responsibility
[8:04] How do leaders “own it” in a healthy way?
[9:22] Exemplary leaders demonstrate how to accept consequences in a healthy way
[10:34] Responsibility and coachability strengthen a team and unleash greater potential
[11:27] Blame is “so dang easy” and makes the blamer a laughingstock
[13:27] What things contribute to blaming?
[14:14] How Greg handled the compliments and complaints from his clients
[15:11] Blaming is a spreading cancer in your organization
[15:44] Being a control freak isn’t the same thing as taking responsibility
[17:01] There is a balance for leaders so they don’t “fall on their swords”
[18:49] Team sports give us a good analogy of what shared responsibility looks like
[21:07] What’s on the other side of responsibility and blame?
[21:47] Leaders can enhance the benefits of responsibility through self-reflection
[23:51] Greg has a memorable and disarming way of helping people accept responsibility
[24:27] Our coaching huddles can help you learn to enhance the benefits of responsibility in your personal leadership

Check out this episode and subscribe on YouTube so you can watch all of the upcoming episodes. You can also listen to our podcast on Spotify and Apple.